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A week ago, there was carnage on Boylston Street; on Sunday, people of all faiths united there

Bells will toll in Massachusetts on Monday afternoon to remember the bombing victims

On this brisk April morning in Boston's South End, worshipers filled New England's largest Roman Catholic church. It was a time to pray -- and reflect on the torrent of violence this city has seen.

Last Sunday, a special blessing was said here for the runners in the Boston Marathon. Now, there were people sitting on the wooden pews who might have witnessed the tragedy. They were all scarred inside.

Almost a week has passed since bombs made from pressure cookers blew up near the finish line of the race. Three people died, and more than 170 were wounded. Many remain in hospitals.

Cardinal Sean O'Malley knew his role was to help heal.

He greeted people ahead of Sunday Mass at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. It was in this sprawling 19th-century stone building that President Barack Obama quoted scripture Thursday to bring comfort and resolve for those still reeling from the Boston Marathon bombings. It was time again to seek solace.

"It's a good thing to be here right now," said Dennis O'Rourke, hurrying up the cathedral steps.

There were other services Sunday in Boston.

Christian, Jewish and Muslim leaders gathered for an interfaith service on Boylston Street, near the marathon finish line. A week ago, it was a place of carnage. On Sunday, it became a sanctuary -- an open-air church, synagogue, mosque and temple, rolled all into one.

Volunteers wore white T-shirts that said: "Do you want a hug?" They embraced strangers on the street.

The area remains a barricaded crime scene. Old South Church of Boston was closed Sunday for the first time since the city's colonial days. Parishioners were invited to attend morning service at the Church of Covenant.

"We are shaken, but we are not forsaken," the church said in a statement.

Central Reform Temple announced cancellation of Sabbath Eve service on its website, citing emergency conditions in Boston.

"We are determined to gather together for worship and mutual support as soon as possible," the temple said.

Instead, the Friday service was scheduled for Sunday morning at nearby Emmanuel Church.

Temple Israel opened its doors to the congregation of Trinity Church for a 10:30 service Sunday. Trinity is in Copley Square, near the marathon finish line, and it remains closed.

Trinity's congregation filled the sanctuary at Temple Israel, which can seat about 900 people, said Rabbi Ronne Friedman. The clergy and staff were surprised in the best possible way that so many people showed up.

The synagogue, he said, was honored to host Trinity in an hour of need.

"It was beautiful, moving," he said. "And it was a reminder of the deep bonds that exist between us. It reminded us all that our proximity is not just geographical.

"After the trauma of the past week, we are in proximate relationship with one another spiritually and psychologically. I think we all very much felt it was one Boston."

Imam Talal Eid of the Islamic Institute of Boston said Muslims were participating in interfaith prayers.

"I know that in all mosques, there have been prayers said for the victims," he said.

The holiest day of the week for Muslims is Friday, but several Boston mosques were closed then because of the lockdown during the massive manhunt for one of the bombing suspects. The same was true for synagogues, which hold services Friday evening and on Saturday.

With Monday will come a new week. Officials have called for a moment of silence at 2:50 p.m. Then, the bells will toll in Boston and the entire state of Massachusetts. And everyone will stop to remember.